The award is presented every two years by the Deutsche Naturwerkstein-Verband e.V. (DNV - German Natural Stone Association) in cooperation with the Bund Deutscher Architekten (BDA - German Architects Association), and it focuses on completed works that showcase natural stone as an exemplary building material in terms of environmental, sustainable and energy-efficiency properties.

The architecture awards program, which offers more than 30,000 euros ($42,500) in prize money has been organized on a European-wide basis for the first time in 2011 under the subtitle, “European Architecture+Stone.”

The jury — chaired by BDA President Michael Frielinghaus — chose 12 impressive building concepts, including the top award winner as well as mentions in the categories of “Special Merit” and “Highly Commended.”

“The new Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm Library in Berlin planned by Max Dudler impresses initially through its physical presence in the urban area,” stated the jury. The massive but delicately structured building is refined not least by its differentiated facade of natural stone.”

The facade supports of the building are made of yellowish bands of Jura limestone. The high-pressure waterjet method used on the stone surfaces highlights the natural structure of the stone.